This book has been a long time in the making. I wrote the first draft in 1996–1997 and during that time there were a number of people who offered encouragement and advice. Chief cheerleader on the project at that time was the amazing Margaret Thomson Davis. Aside from making herself available to me whenever I was stuck, she arranged lunch at her house with a social worker and a psychologist so I could discuss with them the issues raised in the book. Sadly, Margaret died just a couple of years ago, at the age of ninety – but she would have been absolutely delighted to see this manuscript (eventually) make its way onto the published page. Thanks are also due to friends who read chunks of the text as I wrote it and chivvied me along until I finished it: Nan, Stuart, Jackie and Wincey – made it at last, eh?
Long story short, the manuscript sat on a computer for a couple of decades until I mentioned the story to the wonderful Karen Sullivan. With her blessing I had another shot at bringing John Docherty’s tale to life, and to an audience. And here, once again, I have to acknowledge her superpower as an editor. Karen has the BEST eye to help develop a story. And along with her talented copyeditor, West Camel, they helped me focus and tighten the book so that it would sit better in your thoughts and in your imagination.
Thanks also to Sharon Belshaw and Sharon Bairden, for helping when I needed last-minute clarification around my research.
And finally, to the readers, bookshop staff, reviewers, bloggers, librarians, fellow scribes, and everyone who has read, enjoyed and championed my work: without you I’d be a madman screaming into a void. Thank you for your attention, support and wisdom.